Thursday, 16 April 2009

Arsenal are into the semi-finals of the Champions League after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Spanish side Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo Walcott put the home side ahead in the first half after his chipped shot put the Gunners within sight of the next round.

Arsenal were inches from adding a second goal on the night after Robin Van Persie's powerful free-kick was saved by Lopez.

Villarreal still caused some nervous moments in Arsenal's defence though, with Rossi getting sight of goal at the near post before the hosts scrambled clear. Former Gunner Pires also had a shot blocked from the edge of the area.

But Emmanuel Adebayor put Arsenal two up on the hour mark. The Togo striker has been in lethal form since returning from six weeks out with a hamstring injury - this strike was his fourth in three starts since recovering.